The former Proteas captain assesses South Africa’s WTC final prospects and reflects on SA20 dynamics
South Africa has qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final after an impressive run of seven consecutive Test wins. However, former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock believes that the Proteas are not the favourites in their June 11 showdown against Australia at Lord’s. Despite their achievements, Pollock points out that Australia’s current form makes them the stronger contenders.
Proteas’ Long Wait for ICC Glory
South Africa last lifted an ICC trophy in 1998 when they won the inaugural Champions Trophy. Since then, the Proteas have repeatedly come close, only to fall short in knockout matches, including heartbreaking semi-final exits in the 1999, 2015, and 2023 ODI World Cups and the 2014 T20 World Cup. Their most recent disappointment came in the T20 World Cup final against India eight months ago.
With their place in the WTC final secured, South Africa now has an opportunity to rewrite their history in ICC knockout events. However, they face a daunting challenge against Australia, who are fresh off a dominant 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory over India.
Pollock: Proteas Not the Favourites
Speaking to The Hindustan Times, Pollock stated, “It’s going to be a tough one for South Africa. Looking at how Australia is playing their Test cricket and considering the current make-up of the South African side, I don’t think we’re the favourites. But cricket is unpredictable, and anything can happen at Lord’s in June.”
Pollock emphasized the importance of adapting to conditions, saying that winning the toss and bowling first at Lord’s could put significant pressure on the opposition. He also credited South Africa’s character and resilience, which have been instrumental in their journey to the final.
Bavuma’s Leadership and Proteas’ Adaptability
Under Temba Bavuma’s Test captaincy, South Africa has displayed remarkable adaptability. Despite missing key players like Anrich Nortje and Nandre Burger, the team has remained unbeaten in Tests since January last year. Bavuma’s leadership, particularly in managing the bowling attack, has been commendable.
Pollock highlighted the batting unit’s improvement, noting, “Eighteen months ago, this batting line-up wouldn’t have been considered strong, but the number of centuries they’ve scored is impressive. Even without some star bowlers, they’ve found ways to step up and perform.”
Pollock on SA20: Low-Scoring Thrillers Over Run-Fests
Pollock also shared his thoughts on the ongoing SA20 tournament, advocating for a balance between bat and ball. While some matches have seen low scores, others have been high-scoring affairs.
Discussing the contrasting outcomes, Pollock said, “Weather and pitch conditions play a big role. While high scores can be entertaining, some of the best T20 matches are low-scoring games where teams need to strategize and fight back. I enjoy seeing bowlers make an impact.”
He cited recent SA20 matches as examples, including MI Cape Town’s dominant 97-run victory and Durban Super Giants’ thrilling two-run win over Pretoria Capitals, emphasizing how varied conditions can lead to exciting cricket.
The Road Ahead
As South Africa prepares for their WTC final, the Proteas will look to channel their resilience and take inspiration from their recent form. While they may not be the favourites, their ability to adapt and compete could make for a thrilling contest at Lord’s. Meanwhile, the SA20 tournament continues to showcase the diverse challenges of T20 cricket, adding further intrigue to the sport.
